Comments on: No slowdown for Wii and DS, says Nintendo prez

By: Frustrated Consumer, Los Angeles, CA

Frustrated Consumer, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:07:46 +0000

Based on my conversation this afternoon with a Nintendo America “supervisor,” I do not believe Nintendo has any plans to increase the current level of Wii’s shipped to market for this coming 2008 Holiday season. They will remain scarce, and difficult to find. Nintendo’s vaguely worded press release about increasing shipments by 50% over the prior year, without stating any firm numbers or dates, supports this conclusion. The shortage may make the Wii an “exciting” item for some consumers but, frankly, it is a turn off for me. Rather than chasing an elusive shipment on a Sunday morning at 8am, or pay a ridiculous premium to a Wii re-seller, I’d much rather take my dollars to my local Apple Store and purchase an iTouch or iPhone, and use the balance for an XBox or other gaming system.

By: ladiesman726, LA., CA.

ladiesman726, LA., CA. — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:44:32 +0000

The Wii console is the first game systems, Ive owned. I had my misgivings but once I played it, I was hooked. It’s truly fun, and right out of the box. No special moves to learn or hand cramping controllers. Just plain fun. And as a plus, no annoying gamers to deal with in the software aisle or on the forums. Want proof of how most gamers behave? Then read some the preceding posts. And girls enjoy playing the games as well, so you don’t have to choose between them and playing. For those who have a choice.

By: Former Wiifan, Microsoftville, Gatesmania

Former Wiifan, Microsoftville, Gatesmania — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:59:00 +0000

I had a wii- played it for about a month. It sucks. Dont believe the hype. No one is buying games for this white albatross. It just sat there on my entertainment shelf while my 360 got most of the attention.

By: Tristan, Frederick Maryland

Tristan, Frederick Maryland — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:10:07 +0000

I have a Wii and I only have a few games for it because a good 90% of the games on it are pure craptastic, buggy, busted, broken titles. There are games on there that I never even heard of and they are just crappy titles that appeal to 6 year olds. Come on Nintendo, get with the program. Luckliy I also have a 360, PS3 and a PSP to greatly make up the difference.

By: Holly, Springfield MO

Holly, Springfield MO — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:41:53 +0000

Today we are shipping our XBox 360 back to the Microsoft repair center for the 4th time in 2 years due to hardware failure. As it turns out they have a 30-40% failure rate. That’s roughly 1 in 3. We’ve never had an ounce of trouble with the Wii and it’s definitely the family favorite.

By: Moe, Cleveland Ohio

Moe, Cleveland Ohio — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:23:57 +0000

PS3 FTW! Who cares if there is a “wii” shortage. Get a real console that has more uses than simply as a boat anchor.

there’s no contraversy about a shortage… its all hype to drive sales up for the system before nintendo drops the price. squeezing more blood out of that rock.

Buy a PS3, call it a day.

By: Matthew, Round Lake IL

Matthew, Round Lake IL — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:12:06 +0000

Sounds like George in Seattle might work for Microsoft…pixelated junk huh? The point of a video game is to have fun, ro did we forget that part? Some video games do have amazing graphics, almost real, but does that make it superior? Think about it. I’d much rather play a pixelated Wii game and have fun doing it than a Xbox 360 game with great graphics that isn’t as entertaining. You’re a typical, ingnorant A$$ when it comes to the point of playing a game!

By: Jim, Cleveland, OH

Jim, Cleveland, OH — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:08:45 +0000

To the poster who mentioned the shortage being convenient, you haven’t looked for one at all in this past year. They’ve been in low stock all year, not just around Christmas. The demand is just unbelievable.

By: Raubritter27, Baden Wurtemberg, Germany

Raubritter27, Baden Wurtemberg, Germany — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:05:48 +0000

It’s funny to see people get so worked up over a silly video game console. Some of you seem like you would literally bleed for your favorite system. There’s a whole world outside your living rooms with real people that you can’t kill to get to the next level. Check it out.

By: Jeremy, Olympia, WA

Jeremy, Olympia, WA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:22:39 +0000

I like the Wii for parties or groups. Drinking can be pretty fun with the Wii. The problem is being older. Everyone has totally different schedules so it’s difficult to get folks together. Now if I’m by myself clearly the choice is an XBox.

By: Raul, San Jose, CA

Raul, San Jose, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:55:07 +0000

who gives a blank about a wii shortage. This company can keep it. The global ecomony is in tanks. People are worry about how to pay for their food, gas, and their rent/mortage.

By: Michael, Berkeley, CA

Michael, Berkeley, CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:51:09 +0000

In response to RF’s post:

A supply shortage does not increase demand. Rather, it increases the market price (an efficiency created by eBay an Amazon), as suggested in the article. This higher price actually DECREASES demand for the product. Nintendo could be selling more units; a “shortage” means people want to buy more than is available. This does not increase demand, but rather destroys it.

Nintendo cannot capitalize on the higher price; they are now informally obligated to sell the console at $250 and thus miss the benefits of the higher price. From the company’s perspective, it just sees fewer units than could be sold if they satiated demand.

Nintendo’s interest lies in having their product in the stores.

By: George, Seattle Washington

George, Seattle Washington — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 04:02:50 +0000

Good, forget the Wii. Buy a game system that doesn’t look like pixelated junk on a real TV. Nintendo is ruining the gaming world with low quality, cheap casual games.

By: RF, Aurora, IL

RF, Aurora, IL — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:38:17 +0000

How convenient for there to be a WII shortage right before Christmas again. What better way to increase its demand and keep its price high by controlling its availability. Will consumers not learn anything from the current financial crisis? Stop spending your money foolishly!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:38:00 +0000

“The Wii is not perfect. Lack of HD support, internal storage, a real controller, and reliability problem plague the system, as well as a overwhelming supply of crap games. (Atari 2600, anyone?) Nintendo, instead of making a real console that their hardcore fan base could buy, continues to go after a different market, as they lack the cash or the technical skill to compete with either Sony or Microsoft.”

Missing the point again. This console wasn’t made for you and you’re simply proving it. And yes, it DOES have internal storage. Is it huge? No. Does it have to be? No. Can you expand with SD cards? Yes.

Are they competing with Microsoft and Sony? No…they’re content to watch them bash at each other while Nintendo makes a console that a family can enjoy. Try Gears of War with a 5-year old and a 60-year old…it’s fun, if you’re disturbing.

It simply isn’t made for the Sony and Microsoft lovers…period. The Wii is simply not in the same demographic and comparing the 3 system is tantamount to stupidity. It’s like placing a Honda Civic in a spotlight and slamming it because it doesn’t have the handling of a BMW 750i or the acceleration of a Porsche Boxster. Stupid.

By: dddavid, Houston, TX

dddavid, Houston, TX — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:13:39 +0000

To “former Nintendo fan”:

The simple game play is EXACTLY the reason for the Wii’s popularity. I don’t have much time to play video games, so if I pick up a new video game and can’t figure out what I’m supposed to be doing. I HATE it, and pretty much abandon it right there. I don’t have hours and hours to devote just to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing, I want to just be able to pick up the game and start having fun.

By: Pete, Oakland CA

Pete, Oakland CA — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:29:24 +0000

what about the balance board? haven’t seen one of those in the Bay Area since May. Lots on Ebay though, thanks Nintendo.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:21:44 +0000

LMAO,stop wasting ur time arguing

By: MagicMan

MagicMan — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:58:38 +0000

The DSi will only have ONE camera… Not two. Get the facts straight!! Both screens will be touch screens.

By: pinky redmond,wa

pinky redmond,wa — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:45:50 +0000

hey BOB do you work for Nintendo? yeah i didn’t think so.. stuff it